Do weight loss and religion go together? A Christian weight loss program would say yes, adding that constant prayer and reflection will help you lose pounds in no time. Christian weight loss groups are gaining popularity in America, but naturally, there are also opposing groups. Will religion actually help you lose weight? Read on to find out.

About obesity

The root of all these is simply to find a cure for obesity. Obesity is a disease caused by too much fat in the body. The condition is measured through your body mass index (BMI), or the proportion of your weight to your height. This year, as much as 64% of adult Americans are suffering from obesity. Of this, a large portion is considered morbidly obese. Morbid obesity is an extreme form of obesity, characterized by over 100 lbs of excess weight and a BMI of over 40.

If left uncured, obesity can lead to serious complications like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. It also causes motor problems like difficulty in breathing and walking. Because of these risks, Americans are constantly coming up with ways to lose weight. According to reports, they collectively spend as much as $56 billion every year on weight loss methods. These include diet pills, programs, exercise, and surgery. The goal of many Americans is to find the quickest, easiest, and painless method of losing weight. However, this method is often ineffective and sometimes even harmful.

Leaving it to faith

Because of all the hype on losing weight, some groups have decided to put up a Christian weight loss program, emphasizing the need to maintain a healthy body by adhering to religious principles. The Christian weight loss program lives by the slogan "What would Jesus eat?" It basically means that Jesus' lifestyle should be the inspiration for healthy living.

Like any other program

A Christian weight loss program is like any other diet program. It requires you to exercise, adopt diet menus, and other forms of losing weight. The only difference is that it asks you to attend Bible studies, prayer meetings, and even repent from the sin of overeating.

The main advantage of a Christian weight loss program is that it can provide you with a support group as a form of motivation. In a group, you are given extra tips, advice, and encouragement in losing weight.

Disadvantages

There are, however, some disadvantages in joining a Christian weight loss program. Programs like this can border on fanaticism. It can place pressure on you, leading to feelings of pressure and guilt if you do not achieve the desired weight.

Religion is also a moral concept that should not be taken lightly. Christians weight loss groups strongly adhere to the belief that gluttony is a sin. According to them, overeating is an offense against God, and therefore so is being obese. Some Christian groups even go so far as to claim that what God wants is a size 6 body - something unhealthy in real life.

Christian vs secular weight loss

What makes a Christian weight loss program different from a secular one? The answer is simply the religious aspect. However, the Christian belief that "your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit" can be translated to caring for your body - applicable to both Christians and non-Christians.

The aim of a Christian weight loss program is to exemplify Jesus and his healthy lifestyle. However, if you look closely, Jesus is a traveler. He mainly relies on food given to him by hospitable people visits. His diet consists mainly of fish, meat, and bread. Nowhere was he tempted by hamburgers or french fries.

Should they be trusted?

At present, there are no studies conducted claiming that the Christian approach to weight loss is more effective compared to secular ones. However, for both Christian and non-Christian weight loss, you have to rely only on those that provide efficient, effective, and scientifically proven principles on losing weight. Do not trust just any program, even Christian a one, which seem even the least bit far-fetched.

In the end, the best way to lose weight will always be to eat less and exercise more. Always consult a doctor or specialist before joining any weight loss program. Do not be easily carried away just because it is religious.